PhD The Early Process, Application and Interview advice

Daughter has got the phd fully funded at Manchester uni studying neutrinos at the NEXT experiment (based south pyranees). Shes very chuffed 😀 and so are we.
She has got funding from not the stfc, but I think she said it could be ESPRC. They also advised her to apply for this other funding elsewhere, because if she got that one, then the ESPRC funding can go to someone else to fund another position which opens it up for someone else. If she does not get that funding, then the ESPRC one will still be valid. Also got teaching for 5 hours a week at the uni.
She has accepted and is now looking at accommodation in private halls.

Great news.

Hello all! I have received an email offer for a funded phd by the project’s supervisors, under a university scholarship. The supervisors clarified that the funding was allocated to them directly, and that I should expect to receive the formal offer letter from the university following their email offer.I’d like to ask - around how long should I expect to wait for this offer letter (I understand the uni administration could take some time) and is there any reason that the formal offer would not go through at this point? Thanks!

No reason why it shouldn’t, at most research focused universities academics in research get a certain number of PhD funding studentships as they need a certain number of bodies to keep a lab/group operating, and it is up to them to select students using an appropriate method. So all sounds normal to me.

It can several weeks sometimes unfortunately, you can always email the supervisor or admissions after a couple weeks.

If you’ve had several positive conversations and a good rapport I wouldn’t doubt they weren’t playing with a straight bat. You are also more than entitled to keep other applications going until you receive formal confirmation, if you get another offer and you haven’t had confirmation then you can go to the supervisor and ask for them to speed it up (normally it’s just paperwork in an administration queue).

Hello all! I have received an email offer for a funded phd by the project’s supervisors, under a university scholarship. The supervisors clarified that the funding was allocated to them directly, and that I should expect to receive the formal offer letter from the university following their email offer.I’d like to ask - around how long should I expect to wait for this offer letter (I understand the uni administration could take some time) and is there any reason that the formal offer would not go through at this point? Thanks!

Hi,

Congratulations, that’s amazing! Similarly to as suggested above, it took me a couple of weeks to receive a formal offer after an informal offer from the supervisor. I wouldn’t worry! You could always double check with the supervisors if you are anxious - I’m sure theyll understand

Best of luck with everything!
Natalie

Hello,
PhD advise seems to be a common thread amongst the TSR postgrad community. This thread provides an insight into the early and later PhD application process.
Warning! This is not a definative guide by is aimed to be added to with other peoples advise.
Mod edit: this post has also been added to the TSR wiki, and expanded upon. It can be found at: PhD Courses: Tips and Advice for Making your Application. Many thanks to Epoch for his hard work!
Reasons for doing a PhD
Everyone has thier own reasons for doing a PhD but serveral things are considered a must
1) Commitment and an eye for detail
2) Intelligence (not merely high grades but a willingness to learn etc)
3) Independance
4)Aspiration
5) Passion for your subject
Keep these in your mind during the application process and interviews!
Applying for a PhD
First things first think about what you want to do, the subject your intrested in and make a list of ideas. A good person to seek early is your supervisor if still at uni. They should stear you in the right direction and give you sound advise. But be warned some academics an be out to curtail your plans before you start and are best ignored!
Ok now to start looking for your subject area. A great place to start is
www.findaphd.com
This list all current phd courses in all subjects and is a great place to see whos offering what. Then start looking for department specific websites this is where there are detailed PhD listings. Remember PhD details will be released at different times so contact the postgraduate admissions tutor.
Fear not! if your subject of choice is not there then contact the academic staff directly with your C.V and a letter detailing you situation and intrests. This is a good way to get first hand advise and also a way of testing the water some what regarding your credentials
At this point make sure you know the funding situation of the PhD as this will dictate much of the application process. You can be awarded a PhD place with no funding which is very difficult to pursue.
As a rule in house school scholarships are very hard to get so projects which are specifically funded are worth finding.
The C.V
Now you have found your course or have a contact in the department of your choosing sit down and get that C.V in order. For PhD places an academic C.V is often needed. This is a posh term for a detailed subject break down of your undergrad and postgrad (if any) degrees so far. Include any relevant experience relating to the project and do not be afriad to tailor a C.V for an individual PhD. It helps to be affilitated with a academic society as this shows that you are serious and implies that you are well read (May be!).
This keeps cropping up in discussions and I would like to help provide a guide line about what to expect as I have been through a few already!
Good C.V links
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/downloads/documents/prospects/IDD/Special%20Interests%20Series/CVs/2007/Academic%20CV%20updated%20version.pdf
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/jobsintro/apply/cv/
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers/articles/1220/Academic_CV_Building_Where_to_Start
Coverng letter and Online applications
The covering letter may not be asked for as of the variety of submission processes that each university may imply. Make it concise why have you chose this PhD and what makes it suited to your skills. Do not try to answer the question just outline why you want this place and your qualifications and where you currently study/work.
Online applications are slightly more difficult in that more specific details need to be employed. However if you have a good C.V then it becomes easier to fill in. Personal statements for PhD need to be academically focused as well as social.
DONT forget your references
Remember to ask academic staff which know you and are not just associated with the subject. From this they want to know whether you are hard working, commited and shown intrest in the subject before. Pick your references carefully as they have possibly the most say in the early PhD selection process
The research proposal
This is where I need help and addition advise would be greatly accepted! I did not have write a long one alot of science subjects do not need one at all but arts most likely do. Consultation with the supervisior of the PhD is paramount in my experience.
Now you wait and hope for the dreaded interview.............
The Interview
This is not a definative guide and it would be good for other people to contrbute there experiences and opinions on the matter
The "formal" interview and Interview styles
The interview can take two different paths the first often an informal chat with the supervisior where the project is discussed generally
The second is usually a board of people usually 3 to 5 which ask questions. As far as I know Oxbridge is different in this respect they seem to have a series individual interviews.
What to expect
The first question in most interviews seems to be "Why do you want to do a PhD and what has brought you to this position so far ?"
What follows is a series of questions that is designed to test your knowlegde of the basic aspects of the programme. What it entails and what contibution is expected. The project supervisor will want to know specifics the other will want to see how you delt with the question.
During my interview they seemed to want to see my past work, e.g dissertation etc. but they would never ask directly. It is a good idea to have the work prepared and key places marked. Make sure you know the work in depth and be prepared to ask answer any questions on it.
Usually if the PhD involves a studentship or is funded by an outside body they will have a representative. They will assess how you present youself and will probably want to hear how the project is likely to benefit the company or the University.
The interview panel want you to express a wider knowledge. It is key you have read reccomended references and understood them as it will just help your case. Also find out what is cutting edge at the moment and bring with you or make a typed sheet with problems you might want to tackle during the PhD
Remember that you do not want to answer the PhD title but you are aware of lines of evidence that you might want to pursue.
Presentations
Be confident and speak fluently. Made the audience know you are confident (even though you might not feel like it)
Focus on your research unless asked not to and relate this to the project. Essentially what can you bring to the table?
Have it practiced and timed. Draw together on a concluding slide and expect questions
You and yourself!
At the interview they want to see that your motivated to do the project and prepared.
Be confident and don't be afriad to say "I don't know".
Wear something smart. I know some places are not to fussy but it never harmed any one to look smart on interview
Try not to be nervous!
Again each institution has its own style and i would like to open a thread to disscuss the possiblities.
!!!!Sorry about the poor spelling!!!!

Daughter got the 2:1. Shes off to Manchester for her phd in neutrino physics.

is this same procedure with self funded PhD that are not for advertised positions but your own research interest and project you came up with yourself

did she do a masters first?